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Avenues Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab in Colorado with fifteen locations across seven states. Our state blog offers the latest on all addiction-related news in Colorado, keeping you updated on the rise and fall of current events in your area.
Colorado is facing a critical challenge in its fight against opioid overdoses as the state’s Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund runs low, despite an influx of settlement money from opioid lawsuits. This situation raises concerns about the ongoing accessibility of naloxone, a life saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, especially for organizations relying on this fund to distribute it within communities.
Outside the Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver, volunteers distribute naloxone kits to community members. This effort is vital as the center works tirelessly to combat the rising number of fatal overdoses. However, with the fund lacking a sustainable source of revenue, the future of these distributions remains uncertain. According to Lisa Raville, the center's executive director, the potential lack of naloxone means that "more people will die of a very preventable overdose."
Established in 2019, the Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund aimed to provide organizations with free access to naloxone, significantly increasing its availability across Colorado. The fund's budget surged from approximately $300,000 in its initial year to over $8.5 million in 2022, distributing more than $550,000 worth of naloxone kits each month. Despite these efforts, the state recorded a troubling rise in opioid overdose deaths, with 1,292 lives lost in 2023, marking an increase from the previous year.
The KFF Health News website reported that one of the significant sources supporting the Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund—the American Rescue Plan—will expire next year, leaving just $8.6 million in reserves as of September. While the fund recently received a temporary boost from various state grants, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. The challenge is compounded by the fact that more than half of the opioid settlement money has already been allocated to local governments and programs, often leaving naloxone distribution on the sidelines.
Mary Sylla, the former director of overdose prevention policy and strategy at the National Harm Reduction Coalition, highlighted the irony of an underfunded naloxone distribution program at a time when settlement funds are flowing in. “There couldn’t be a better use for them,” she emphasized, advocating for the reallocation of these funds to support naloxone availability.
Organizations like the Naloxone Project and CeDAR, which provide naloxone to at-risk individuals, face potential funding shortfalls. The Naloxone Project reported receiving significantly fewer doses than requested due to misclassification in funding priorities. Similarly, CeDAR has lost access to free naloxone as its patient population typically has insurance coverage or the means to pay out of pocket.
As the opioid crisis continues to devastate communities, advocates emphasize the need for consistent funding mechanisms to ensure that naloxone remains accessible. The focus now is on developing strategies that secure the future of naloxone distribution, preventing a scarcity mindset among organizations competing for limited resources. The fight against opioid overdoses in Colorado hinges on the ability to maintain robust access to naloxone, making the preservation and enhancement of the Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund a crucial priority.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery today. Our experienced and sensitive addiction specialists have helped thousands of people overcome their addictions, and can help you too. Don’t struggle on your own any longer. Contact us to begin your journey to the sober and healthy future you deserve.